More about: 10 Best Day Trips from Punta Cana
In the excursions that you can do from Punta Cana, you can choose for all tastes, from excursions to Santo Domingo with a full day tour of the city, to excursions to the most incredible jungle places in the Dominican Republic.
If you like adventure, you definitely have to include this activity in your list of the best things to do in Punta Cana. If you're more of a traditionalist, you can enjoy full-day excursions to the island's most paradisiacal beaches.
1. Full day excursion to the city of Santa Domingo
Excursions to Santo Domingo from Punta Cana are one of the best experiences you can have on your visit to the Dominican Republic. On this full day tour you will get to know the whole city in a super tour that includes the transfer from the hotel where you are staying in Punta Cana to Santo Domingo and back.
This tour will take you to the most interesting historical places in the central part of the city, where you will learn a little more about the Dominican culture. You'll also get to see the many sights just before sampling some of the most exquisite Dominican dishes.
Interesting details
- Price: From 95 euros per person.
- Duration: Approximately 11 hours.
- Means of transport: Air-conditioned vehicle throughout the tour.
2. Day excursion to Saona Island with boat trip
This all-Caribbean experience takes you to the Dominican coast where you can not only swim and enjoy the warm waters of the beach, but also be in a natural pool where you can see lots of starfish.
The stop at most places is long enough to walk along the beach and enjoy the white sand. Definitely one of the best excursions to Saona Island from Punta Cana is this one, because it takes you to the biggest attraction of the Dominican Republic, its beaches.
Details of interest
- Price: From 80 euros per person.
- Duration: Around 9 and a half hours to complete the tour.
- Means of transport: Vehicle with all comforts, boat and catamaran.
3. Snorkelling excursion to Catalina Island from Punta Cana
This excursion will take you to discover the natural beauty of Catalina Island, a tropical paradise with crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches. It is a perfect experience for those who enjoy the sea, the sun and the outdoors.
During the tour, you will have the opportunity to snorkel on coral reefs, relax on the beach and enjoy a delicious typical Dominican meal in front of the sea. In addition, you will be accompanied by a tour guide who will explain everything about this beautiful destination.
Details of interest
- Price: from 85 € per person.
- Duration: approximately 8 hours.
- Means of transport: boat to the island and air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer.
4. Samana getaway from Punta Cana
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with this excursion to Samaná, one of the most impressive regions of the Dominican Republic. Discover paradisiacal beaches, lush tropical landscapes and breathtaking waterfalls on a tour full of nature and culture.
The tour starts with a boat and vehicle trip to Samaná, where you will visit the spectacular El Limón Waterfall, a hidden gem in the jungle that you will reach on horseback or on foot. Afterwards, you can relax on the idyllic beach of Cayo Levantado, enjoying the turquoise waters and a typical Dominican lunch by the sea.
Details of interest
- Price: from 149 € per person.
- Duration: approximately 10 hours.
- Means of transport: boat, air-conditioned vehicle and horseback riding.
5. Excursion to El Limon Waterfall and Bacardi Island
From the town of Punta Cana you will experience a completely adventurous tour that will take you to the most magical places of the island' s geography, which includes many beaches and waterfalls where you can stop to take pictures or take a swim if you want.
On this tour, which you can do with your family, friends and even children, you will get to know the true spirit of adventure because in addition to taking you to the El Limón waterfall and Bacardi Island, you will get to know at least a part of the Dominican jungle, where you will get to know the fauna and flora popular in this region up close.
Details of interest
- Price: From 169 euros per person.
- Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
- Means of transport: Air-conditioned bus throughout the trip.
6. Excursion with safari at the Monkeyland plantation in the Dominican jungle
This is an experience that takes you through the jungle of the Dominican Republic, specifically to Monkeyland, a real monkey sanctuary that is looked after by a dedicated couple. During your expedition through the jungle you will be able to see different coffee and cocoa plantations, two of the country's flagship products.
On this one of the best excursions to Monkeyland from Punta Cana, you can also visit the botanical garden to learn about the native flora of the Dominican Republic's jungle zone.
At the same time you will have the opportunity to take lots of pictures during the trip because you will be able to appreciate breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Interesting details
- Price: From 79 euros per person.
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
- Means of transport: Safari vehicle for the entire experience.
7. Adventure excursion around Punta Cana by buggy and catamaran
From the moment you leave your accommodation, you will get into a buggy and head into the Dominican jungle. You will go in search of a private farm where you will see how coffee and chocolate are made and have the opportunity to taste both. At this farm you will also see the processing of cinnamon.
Once you have finished this stop at the farm, you will continue with the buggy to the Macao area, a white sandy beach with crystal clear waters. Here you will board the double-decker catamaran. During the rest of the buggy adventure you will sail in the turquoise waters and see different marine species just before snorkelling.
Interesting details
- Price: From 115 euros per person.
- Duration: Around 8 hours.
- Means of transport: All-terrain buggy and catamaran.
8. Sunset horseback riding tour from Punta Cana
For two hours you will have the opportunity to take a leisurely horseback ride around the beach in the company of a tour guide who will show you the most beautiful features of the place. Before you go horseback riding the tour leaders will pick you up at the hotel where you are staying to take you to the place where you will go horseback riding.
Once on site, not only will you get on the horse, but you will also have an experience on the farm beforehand, meeting and seeing other animals. You will also receive a briefing on horse riding and all the safety precautions you need to follow before you get on the horse. Once you are ready, the ride will start until you reach the beach to watch the sunset.
Interesting details
- Price: From 78 euros per person.
- Duration: Around 2 hours during sunset.
- Means of transport: Properly conditioned vehicle and horses.
9. Excursion with Party Boat along the beaches of Punta Cana
This is an ideal experience for young people who want to enjoy a real party in the Caribbean. If you are one of those people, you will want to live this experience. You will get on a catamaran where you will have the opportunity to snorkel at some point during the trip on board. You will be able to meet other tourists visiting the Dominican Republic.
You will also be entitled to an open bar of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the trip, making it one of the best boat and catamaran tours in Punta Cana. Once you get to the natural pool, the party begins, amidst a backdrop of waist-deep water, making this a truly amazing experience.
Details of interest
- Price: From 64 euros per person.
- Duration: Approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- Means of transport: Equipped and comfortable vehicle and catamaran.
10. Cruise excursion with paragliding and diving experience
This is a family activity that starts with the incredible experience of paragliding over the Dominican beach, from where you will be able to see the contrasts of the crystal clear turquoise waters. Before you go paragliding, an expert guide will give you all the safety precautions you need to know.
After having lived this high altitude experience, you will board the cruise ship to sail along the Dominican coast and live one of the best snorkelling experiences in Punta Cana in the middle of coral reefs. Afterwards you will go to a natural pool where you will be able to swim with all the safety measures. During the whole activity you will have access to drinks and all the entertainment on board.
Details of interest
- Price: From 113 euros per person.
- Duration: Approximately 5 hours.
- Means of transport: Fully equipped vehicle and catamaran.
Duration of excursions from Punta Cana
Punta Cana is a tourist area but from here you can also take excursions to other parts of the island. For this reason, excursions can vary with respect to the length of time each one lasts. Generally these types of excursions last from half a day to a full day, depending on the places you want to visit.
If you are on a cruise ship, the excursions can be extended and last between 5 and 8 hours. But if it's an excursion close to Punta Cana it can last a little less between 2 and 4 hours. The duration also depends on the type of activity you want to do, whether it is a land or water activity.
Tips for an excursion from Punta Cana
- Bring sunscreen on any excursion, whether on land or in the water, as the Caribbean sun can cause severe sunstroke for those who aren't used to it.
- Pack sunglasses, cool clothes and your best swimwear as most excursions include a beach and/or pool.
- Make sure you can take the kids on these types of excursions, and if you can't take them on any of these experiences, check out the 10 things to do in Punta Cana with kids
- Even if everything is included in the excursion package, make sure you eat well before embarking on experiences such as cruises or party boats.
- Control your alcohol intake on experiences where you have access to an open bar, because if you drink too much, you may be denied access to the excursion or expelled from it.